Setting the Scene
Whilst we are speaking here of arts events, the same considerations apply to any supporting but external events.
There are no biblical examples of arts events supporting mission. But in today’s western culture, arts events are widespread and a part of the social fabric. As there are Christian arts groups the question becomes, to what extent might Christian arts be a favourable draw for the non-Christian seeker, enabling encounter and anointed conversations? To what extent might Christian arts support, or even enable, the gospel message to be proclaimed? Can Arts present a clear gospel framework in a non-threatening (and perhaps relaxed) way?
Practical considerations
Those involved professionally in Christian arts need venues, facilities, and lead time. The last is perhaps the most complex, as Arts groups need funding, support, and commitment. In other words they are like any other Christian agency!
First, contact must be established. Is there anything in the up-coming Arts programme that can be aligned to mission objectives? Second, can the mission sponsors commit – especially financially, and will they book an Arts group perhaps some years in advance? And a booking (note carefully!) is not something that can be cancelled if ‘a better offer’ comes along. There needs to be mutual commitment. Cancellations are a poor witness.
Secondly, venues may have to be secured. Occasionally a church building can be adapted as a venue, but it might be considered appropriate to hire an independent venue. If so, ensure that the venue itself does not have wanton cancellation provisions built-in to any venue hire.
Recent experience in UK indicates a willingness of some venues to cancel Christian events (which may suggest a church-based venue will be a safer option from the outset) at short notice and for no substantial reason. The venue should be made aware , in writing , of the nature of the Arts performance planned and specifically state they have no objection. Naturally in return they will demand that no controversial subject matter nor specifically illegal acts will be encountered.
(Question – do they ask the same questions of non-Christian events organizers?)
A liquidated damages provision should be built-in to any contract of hire, such that if wanton, performative or ‘political’ cancellation happens the venue will provide an agreed financial recompense. They should have no objection. Finally the liquidated damages provision should be backed by a banker’s guarantee via an on-demand performance bond, such that the ‘injured’ event organizer will not have to sue for damages. An honest venue should have no difficulty with this contractual condition if they are acting in good faith.
It is less necessary (even unnecessary) to explore and impose such conditionality where one is dealing with a church, or Christian-based, venue.
The decision on venue will be guided by the nature of the performance and the clientele planned.
Facilities and lead times
A professional arts group may well provide all the technical facilities required for their performance. Power, water and health and safety may be the only facilities the mission organizer may need to be responsible for.
Lead times: this implies booking sufficiently far in advance that an arts group can be secured and can plan logistics. It also implies that the mission organizer has a good and clear sense of the mission opportunity, expected mission dynamics and outcomes desired. Typically, a mission organizer will be thinking and planning in terms of * the message to be imparted through the arts event * how that messaging will be plugged-in to the overall mission and * how the event can enable and enliven anointed conversations. The advertising of follow-on local events may well be a part of this.
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